The gradual destruction of the ozone layer caused mainly by the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere.

The ozone layer is a layer in Earth's atmosphere which contains relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3). It absorbs 97–99% of the sun's high frequency ultraviolet light, which is potentially damaging to life on earth. Over 90% of the ozone in Earth's atmosphere is present. It is mainly located in the lower portion of the stratosphere from approximately 13 km to 20 km above Earth, though the thickness varies seasonally and geographically.

Ozone levels, over the northern hemisphere, have been dropping by 4% per decade. Over approximately 5% of the Earth's surface, around the north and south poles, much larger (but seasonal) declines have been seen; these are the ozone holes.

Ozone depletion occurs when the natural balance between the production and destruction of stratospheric ozone is tipped in favour of destruction. Although natural phenomena can cause temporary ozone loss, chlorine and bromine released from man-made compounds such as (CFCs) are now the main cause of this depletion.

They are the insulation materials , Refrigeration , Air Conditioning ,Aerosols , etc ..

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals found mainly in spray aerosols heavily used by industrialized nations for much of the past 50 years, are the possible causes in ozone layer breakdown. When CFCs reach the upper atmosphere, they are exposed to ultraviolet rays, which causes them to break down into substances that include chlorine. The chlorine reacts with the oxygen atoms in ozone and rips apart the ozone molecule.

Effects on Human Being ;
Skin cancer
Eye damage such as cataracts
Immune system damage
Reduction in phytoplankton
Damage to the DNA in various life-forms
Malnutrition

Acule eye defects

Effects on flowering ;

-UV-B radiation can alter both the time of flowering as well as the number of flowers in certain species.
-Differences in timing of flowering may have important consequences for the availability of pollinators.
-The reproductive parts of plants, such as pollen and ovules are well shielded from solar UV-B radiation.

-Causes damage to many species of amphibians at every stage of their life cycle, from egg to adult Affects growth and development in larvae
-Causes Changes in behavior
-Deformities
-Make amphibians more vulnerable to disease and death
-In adults, causes retinal damage and blindness.

SOLUTIONS !

Measures to reduce ozone depletion
•Sign international agreement to cut down usage of CFCs
–Montreal protocol
–Kyoto protocol (reduce greenhouse gases)
•Reducing usage of CFCs products
–Stop buying products containing CFCs
–Disposal coolant in fridge & air con properly

Protection to be taken ;
-Protect the skin against the solar radiation using skin creams with SPF
-The greater the numerical value of the SPF the greater the protection
-Use lip balm with SPF

-Sunglasses with 100% UV block
-Wrap around sunglasses
-Eye protection for children

-Hats

•Use / buy more recycled products
•Save energy
•Take public transport

Done by: Caryn